Penis Herpes

Penis Herpes

Testing and Treating Herpes on Penis

Genital herpes is a virus that affects both men and women. The sexually transmitted disease is caused by the type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2) herpes simplex viruses. Type 2 is the most common herpes virus and it is transmitted through genital sex. Most men who contract herpes are not aware that they are affected with the virus until they begin to experience obvious symptoms. The signs of herpes in men are painful sores on the penis, scrotum, anus, thighs or buttocks. The lesions are usually a cluster of small watery sores that ultimately rupture. After the sores rupture, they turn into ulcers that eventually heal over.

Men usually experience their first herpes outbreak around two weeks after contracting the virus. The first outbreak is the worst and often comes with flu like symptoms including fatigue, headache and joint pain. The first herpes outbreak can last up to four weeks. After the first year, someone with the virus will continue to experience outbreaks, but they will be less frequent and the symptoms will be less severe.

In some cases, the penis herpes symptoms can be so mild that a man may think he simply has a bug bite or is having a bad reaction after using a spermicide or new lubricant product. Men who think that they may have been exposed to the virus or who are exhibiting penis herpes symptoms should visit their doctor for a herpes test. A simple blood test will reveal whether someone has the disease and the doctor can prescribe the appropriate treatment if the test comes back positive. Men who are too embarrassed to visit their family doctor can visit a local clinic that offers anonymous STD testing. Men will not have to worry about anyone finding out they made a visit to the doctor and they will be able to get the treatment they need.

There is no cure for the disease, but there are treatments that can alleviate symptoms such as pain during outbreaks and shorten the time it takes someone to heal. Valtrex, Zovirax and Famvir are the most common prescription medications used in the treatment of penis herpes. Although some men experience quite a bit of pain and discomfort, other men will remain virtually symptom free. Whether a man experiences a great amount of discomfort or not it is crucial that he visit the doctor for testing and advice. Men with herpes should not have intercourse with new partners until they visit their doctor because they could easily spread the disease to others.